English · Natural expressions
How to decline an invitation in English
A clear decline helps the host plan. Acknowledge the invitation, explain an existing commitment if you want to, or suggest a new time when you genuinely want to meet.
Invitation ke liye thanks kahein aur apna jawab saaf dein. Milna chahte hon to doosra time suggest karein.
Choose the expression that fits
Expression 1
Thanks for inviting me, but I can't come.
निमंत्रण के लिए धन्यवाद, लेकिन मैं नहीं आ सकता / सकती।
nimantran ke liye dhanyavaad, lekin main nahi aa sakta / sakti.
Give a clear thanks and decline without inventing a reason.
Expression 2
I'd love to, but I already have plans.
मेरा मन तो है, लेकिन पहले से कार्यक्रम तय है।
mera man to hai, lekin pehle se kaaryakram tay hai.
Express interest while explaining that you already have plans.
Expression 3
I can't make it this time. Could we meet next week?
इस बार नहीं आ पाऊँगा / पाऊँगी। क्या हम अगले हफ्ते मिल सकते हैं?
is baar nahi aa paaunga / paaungi. kya ham agle hafte mil sakte hain?
Decline this occasion and offer a specific opportunity to meet later.
What to watch for
“I can't make it” means you cannot attend. It does not refer to making an object. Thank the person and offer another time only if you want to meet.
See it in a short conversation
A Saturday party invitation
Partner
Can you come to my party on Saturday?
Show Hindi meaning
क्या आप शनिवार को मेरी पार्टी में आ सकते हैं?
kya aap shanivaar ko meri party mein aa sakte hain?
You
Thanks for inviting me, but I can't come.
Show Hindi meaning
निमंत्रण के लिए धन्यवाद, लेकिन मैं नहीं आ सकता / सकती।
nimantran ke liye dhanyavaad, lekin main nahi aa sakta / sakti.
A dinner invitation that conflicts with plans
Partner
Would you like to have dinner tomorrow?
Show Hindi meaning
क्या आप कल साथ खाना खाना चाहेंगे / चाहेंगी?
kya aap kal saath khaana khaana chaahenge / chaahengi?
You
I'd love to, but I already have plans.
Show Hindi meaning
मेरा मन तो है, लेकिन पहले से कार्यक्रम तय है।
mera man to hai, lekin pehle se kaaryakram tay hai.
Your turn
You cannot attend this time, but you would like to meet. Decline and suggest meeting next week.
Reveal sample reply
I can't make it this time. Could we meet next week?
इस बार नहीं आ पाऊँगा / पाऊँगी। क्या हम अगले हफ्ते मिल सकते हैं?
is baar nahi aa paaunga / paaungi. kya ham agle hafte mil sakte hain?
